Abuse of process claim at execution planning hearing – The Pembrokeshire Herald

A PUBLIC meeting held at the Solva Memorial Hall on Thursday 27th June attracted a huge turnout as hundreds of local residents gathered to discuss the controversial Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) project. The event, organised by PARC Against DARC, was a significant step in the campaign to stop the British/US Army’s plans to establish a 27-dish high-power radar station at Cawdor Barracks in Brawdy.

The campaign, which began with a digital launch last month, quickly gained traction among residents concerned about the potential health, environmental and economic impacts of the proposed radar installation. The meeting, described by organizers as “packed,” featured several keynote speakers who outlined the dangers posed by DARC.

Emma Bowen, chief executive of Retreats Group, a local hotel, highlighted the potential negative impact on the local tourism industry. “As a provider of accommodation in the UK’s only coastal national park, we are reliant on leisure travellers. If DARC goes ahead, it will negatively impact our business, putting 75 jobs at risk and affecting over 40 suppliers and contractors,” she said.

Two short films were shown presenting research by leading scientists on the health risks associated with non-ionizing radio frequency radiation. Dr. M. Peleg’s study of the Iron Dome radar system in Israel found a significant increase in cancer rates among military personnel stationed near the radars. “Iron Dome produces the same type of radiation as DARC that has been shown to aggressively cause cancer,” the presentation explained.

Roy Jones, a veteran campaigner from the 1990s who successfully campaigned for a similar project, provided a historical perspective. He warned that DARC, part of the AUKUS security pact, was designed to give the US military dominance in space. “The radar array, visible from multiple vantage points in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, would be the highest-risk radioactive radiation project ever built on British soil,” Jones said.

Jones also highlighted an MOD-funded scoping report which highlighted several hazards during the construction phase, including buried unexploded ordnance, radioactive material and extensive asbestos contamination. “Building the antenna foundations would result in 100 trucks a day passing through Newgale Beach, potentially resulting in the loss of 300 jobs,” he added.

Dylan Lewis-Rowlands, CND Cymru secretary, condemned the militarization of space and Wales. “This grassroots campaign puts the needs of our communities above U.S. military ambitions. Together we can show the need for peace, not further militarization and war,” he insisted.

Michial Davies of the South & West Wales Wildlife Trust discussed the impact on the environment, particularly on Manx shearwaters. “The shearwater is visible from Skomer, the world’s most important site for this seabird. DARC will exacerbate the problem, causing more avoidable deaths,” he warned.

Jim Scott, a local activist, stressed that the project is not a “finished deal” and encouraged residents to email their general election candidates. “The Ministry of National Defense pretends that the matter will go through the parish council, but we know that it requires a specialized building permit. We will campaign at every level to stop this,” he declared.

The meeting ended with participants repeating the iconic photo from the previous campaign, holding NO RADAR banners, before adjourning for a break. The second half was devoted to discussing how the community could get involved in the campaign.

In a social media post, PARC Against DARC challenged all potential Pembrokeshire parliamentary candidates by asking: “What are your views on the DARC radar in Brawdy?” So far only candidates from the Green Party and Plaid Cymru have responded positively, with Cris Tomos and Ben Lake offering support against the project. Labor remained largely silent, while the Conservatives did not react at all.

PARC is calling on all interested voters to email candidates before Election Day, urging them to declare their position on DARC. “Parties and candidates have an ethical obligation to disclose their position on such an important local issue before Election Day,” the post reads.

As the general election approaches, the campaign against DARC is gaining momentum, with organizers and residents determined to protect their community from the potential threats posed by the radar installation.